Disney Channel was the start of many young actors’ careers in film and television. Many Disney Channel stars became famous for roles in popular hits like High School Musical, Hanna Montana, and The Suite Life of Zack & Cody. But everyone has to grow up at some point and Disney Channel kids eventually age out of the roles— and the channel itself— that made them famous.
Now grown up, these actors have taken on new ventures and continued acting while others went into the music business, if they stayed in the entertainment industry at all. Regardless, these actors are still recognized for where they got their start, but since then have taken part in some popular and highly talked about film and television shows.
Debby Ryan: Insatiable (6.5)
Debby Ryan had her big breakthrough playing the role of Jessie Prescott on the 2011 show Jessie. Prior, Ryan also had supporting roles on other Disney Channel shows like The Suite Life On Deck. In 2018, Ryan starred in the main role of Patricia “Patty” Bladell in the Netflix show, Insatiable.
The show itself saw much criticism for its overall message and storyline, but many still praised Ryan’s acting in her role. The show centered around Bladell who seeks revenge against her bullies after going on a liquid diet over the summer.
Bella Thorne: Famous In Love (6.9)
Bella Thorne got her start as part of the show Shake It Up alongside Zendaya in 2010. She played the role of CeCe Jones before breaking away from Disney Channel and appearing in films. Thorne has since been a model, singer, actress and has directed her own films. Her highest-ranked role is the series Famous in Love.
The American drama premiered on Freeform in 2017 and starred Thorne in the role of Paige Townsen. The show’s overall storyline revolved Townsen getting her big break in a major film. Thrust into a new high-profile life she has to navigate the complications of fame and love.
Selena Gomez: Hotel Transylvania (7.1)
When it comes to remembering the Disney Channel days, Selena Gomez was part of the main group of stars to come out of the network. She played Alex Russo on the show Wizards of Wavery Place from 2007 until its end in 2012. Gomez also took up a singing career along with acting.
While she became known for several roles, her highest-ranked is an animated film as a voice actor. In 2012 she starred alongside Adam Sandler in the family/comedy film Hotel Transylvania. She voices the character of Mavis for the franchise.
Cole Sprouse: Five Feet Apart (7.2)
Fans fondly remember the hotel-based hilarity of the series The Suite Life of Zack & Cody that starred the Sprouse twins. As they grew out of Disney Channel, Cole and his brother took on other ventures. One of them was attending college. Soon after graduating, he landed the role of Jughead Jones in Riverdale.
However, the live-action adaptation of the popular comic isn’t his highest-ranked project. It’s actually the film, Five Feet Apart, where he played William “Will” Newman who meets another patient with cystic fibrosis. They find ways to have a relationship despite having to maintain their physical distance.
Emily Osment: Young & Hungry (7.4)
Before Emily Osment became known for her role as Lily on Hannah Montana, she also had a supporting role in the Spy Kids films. After Disney Channel, she appeared in a number of movies, but then landed the main role as Gabi Diamond in the Freefrom TV show, Young & Hungry.
The show is about a wealthy tech entrepreneur who hires Osment’s character as his personal chef. After some mishaps, they have a one night stand. The series follows their personal lives, their budding relationship, and the challenges Gabi faces in the kitchen.
Shia LaBeouf: The Peanut Butter Falcon (7.6)
Even Stevens was one of the most popular shows to be created by Disney Channel, and the title character was played by Shia LaBeouf. After the success of the show, LaBeouf transitioned into a successful film career, including starring in the first three entries of the blockbuster Transformers franchise.
In recent years, he’s taken on independent films as an actor, writer, director, and producer. Among his indie work is The Peanut Butter Falcon, about a man with Down syndrome who escapes his care home and goes on a journey to pursue his dream of becoming a pro wrestler.
Aly Michalka: IZombie (7.9)
Aly Michalka was part of the package deal alongside her sister AJ. They became known for Disney Channel films like Cow Bells, but more notably for their music career. Michalka also gained popularity for playing Keely Teslow on Phil of the Future.
She then took on the main role in the CW show Hellcats until the show was canceled. That was followed by her later playing a supporting role as Peyton Charles, a district attorney, in the CW supernatural show, iZombie. She was Liv’s (Rose Mclver) roommate and best friend.
Zac Efron: Down To Earth With Zac Efron (8.1)
Zac Efron became a household name when he starred in the musical film High School Musical as Troy Bolton. He was many young teens’ first crush. After Disney Channel, he continued to be an actor and has appeared in such films as 17 Again, Neighbors, Baywatch, and, returning to his musical roots, The Greatest Showman.
Efron even took on the role of portraying Ted Bundy in Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile. His highest-ranked role is the web documentary series on Netflix titled Down to Earth with Zac Efron. It stars Efron as he travels around the world looking for healthier ways to live on and engage with the planet.
Zendaya: Euphoria (8.4)
Zendaya has become a powerhouse in Hollywood after her start on the shows Shake It Up and K.C. Undercover. After aging out of Disney Channel, Zendaya went on to have high profile roles such as portraying MJ in the MCU films Spiderman: Homecoming and Spiderman: Far From Home.
Her most acclaimed role to date is as the lead in the HBO drama, Euphoria. She plays Rue Bennett and follows the troubled life of the teen as she deals with addiction, high school, and love. This year, Zendaya won the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for the role, becoming both the youngest actress to ever receive the award as well as the second black actress to do so.
Nick Jonas: Kingdom (8.5)
Taking the spot with the highest-ranked on-screen work is former Disney Channel star, Nick Jonas. Jonas is more highly recognized for his musical career as part of the band the Jonas Brothers, alongside Joe and Kevin Jonas. The Jonas Brothers were the number one band teens were obsessed with in the 2000s.
Nick and his brothers starred in their own films and show called Jonas on Disney Channel. Besides starring in the revamped Jumanji films, Jonas co-starred in the show Kingdom from 2014 until 2017. He played the role of Nathaniel Kulina, the son of the main character who after an attack put his fighting dreams on hold all while harboring a secret.
